Assistant Planner

WHO WE ARE

Michael Baker International is a leading provider of architectural, engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, environmental, construction and program management. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions to support U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker’s more than 3,000 employees across nearly 100 locations are committed to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technological advancement to help solve challenges for clients and communities throughout the country.

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PLANNING PRACTICE

We create, integrate, visualize, and communicate planning concepts as they move from the initial vision through implementation. Our planning professionals build strong client partnerships, working with residents, businesses, developers, educational and medical organizations, state and local governments, the military and other federal agencies to successfully plan the future of their communities or institutions. At Michael Baker International, we focus on people and places, improving communities and creating more sustainable, convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places.

DESCRIPTION

The Planner I is an entry-level position in the Planning Practice at Michael Baker International. We are looking for an energetic, talented, and technically experienced planner, who is eager to learn, to be an integral member of the Agency Staffing Group at our Long Beach office. With moderate direct supervision, the Planner I will assist our public agency clients with managing the front counter, processing minor land use entitlements such as conditional use permits (CUP’s), accessory dwelling units (ADU’s), sign permits and plan checks, and performing other planning department functions.

More specifically, the duties of the Planner I include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Respond to public and developer inquiries for zoning and other planning related information and otherwise assist with the operation of our clients’ one-stop permit centers;
• Conduct project site visits and compile and tabulate information necessary to process applications;
• Review proposed development plans for compliance with our client’s General Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and the development standards set forth therein, and any applicable design guidelines or Specific Plan requirements;
• Process administrative permits;
• Assist with the preparation of staff reports to Planning Commissions and City Councils;
• Assist with the preparation of Planning Commission and City Council resolutions and/or ordinances related to proposed development projects and CEQA document certification;
• Assist with the preparation and posting, publication, and mailing of all required public notices;
• Assist with the distribution of project-related documents to outside agencies, as required;
• Assist with scheduling and conducting public workshops/EIR scoping meetings, as deemed necessary;
• Assist with scheduling and conducting public hearings before Planning Commissions and City Councils;
• Assist with the preparation and filing of all required notices with the State Clearinghouse and/or County Clerk Offices;
• Conduct land use or other special planning studies, when requested;
• Prepare ordinances/ordinance amendments and otherwise maintain and update our client’s Municipal Code, as necessary; and
• Perform other related duties, as assigned by our client’s Community Development/Planning Director or City Manager.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Planning, Urban Studies, Geography, or related discipline;
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience;
• Must be bright, organized, determined, and able to build relationships with a wide variety of people;
• Have excellent oral and written communication skills, as well as strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently as well as in multi-disciplinary teams;
• Desire to produce first-class work products and a demonstrated personal commitment to accuracy and quality;
• Ability to quickly get up to speed on our policies, procedures, and…